Australia, South Africa battle for supremacy against scratchy Windies, England

One of the most riveting World Cups in the history of women's cricket, this edition of the extravaganza has provided the fans plenty of reasons to stand and applaud the calibre of players in the women's sport. 

After 28 games filled with emotions and drama, we are at the business end of the tournament with four teams vying for a spot in the summit clash on Sunday, 3rd April, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

However, before they cement their place in the finale, the top four sides of the competition will lock horns in the semi-finals, with Australia up against West Indies and the reigning champions taking on the mighty Proteas. 

Here's a look at some of the key talking points ahead of the two knockout games:

Windies aim to halt the Aussie juggernaut 

In the final league match of the group stages featuring South Africa and India, a dramatic last-ball thriller resulted in the Windies remaining at fourth position in the points table and will take on Australia in the first semi-finals on Wednesday, 30th March at Basin River in Wellington. 

The last time these two sides competed against each other in the tournament was at the same venue, with Australia registering a comprehensive seven-wicket win in a 132-run chase.  

In the course of the tournament, the Windies have struggled with the bat and failed to stitch any partnerships, especially in the second half of the league stage. West Indies have lost a wicket every 30.2 deliveries, the worst among all the teams in the competition.

While they can heave a sigh of relief as Australia will miss the services of Ellyse Perry in this clash, who wreaked havoc the last time they faced each other, as the star all-rounder is ruled out due to back spasms. 

Despite the 31-year old not playing, Australia boast of a dominant side and their current form in the competition makes them the favourites to lift the coveted title. 

Probable XI

Australia: Rachael Haynes, Alyssa Healy (wk), Meg Lanning (Captain), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Alana King, Amanda Wellington, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Annabel Sutherland

West Indies: Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews, Kycia Knight, Stafanie Taylor (Captain), Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell

Date: 30th March, 3.30 AM IST

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

Will the defending champions finally stand up?

The reigning champions of the World Cup, England, have endured a lukewarm tournament by their standards. After three defeats in the first three games, Heather Knight-led side had an uphill task to qualify for the final four of the tournament. With comprehensive wins in their remaining four games, England reached third position in the points table and qualified for the semi-finals. 

On the other hand, South Africa have been one of the most impressive teams in the competition and won five out of the seven league games. Barring a hiccup against Australia and a match abandoned due to rain, Proteas have seized the crucial moments in the game to get over the line. 

The last time these two sides clashed, South Africa edged past England by three wickets in a nail-biting contest courtesy of Marizanne Kapp's all-around display. 

The right-arm pacer picked up five wickets to restrict England to 235 runs in the first innings and followed it up with a crucial 32 to help South Africa inch closer to the finish line. 

While the stakes are high and the pressure of the knockout game looming on the players, England will hope for their openers to find some form and lay a solid foundation at the top of the order. 

In the seven innings, England have lost 11 wickets in the first 10 overs of the innings, with balls per wicket ratio of 38.2, the worst among all the teams.

With wickets tumbling early, the defending champions have had to rebuild the innings, which often results in the team not being able to set a massive first-innings total or chase down a target. 

While England have struggled with lack of runs from the top-order, the same cannot be said about South Africa as Laura Wolvaardt has shouldered the bulk of the responsibility of the Proteas' batting in this mega event. 

The right-handed batter is the leading run-scorer in this edition of the tournament and amassed 433 runs in seven innings at an average of 61.85. With Lizelle Lee struggling to find her mojo, the onus of the side will rely heavily on the 22-year old. 

However, she will be up against a lethal bowling unit comprising Katherine Brunt, Anya Shurbsole and Sophie Ecclestone. While the new-ball attack is one of the best in the women's sport, Ecclestone has been the standout bowler for England in the tournament. 

The 22-year old is on top of the charts in the wickets column by scalping 14 wickets in seven innings at an average of 15.8 and a strike rate of 28.9. With the wicket at the Hagley Oval offering some assistance to Indian spinners in the last game against South Africa, Ecclestone will be the key for England in their bid to defend the world title.  

Probable XI:

England: Tammy Beaumont, Danielle Wyatt, Heather Knight (Captain), Natalie Sciver, Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Charlie Dean, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Anya Shrubsole

South Africa: South Africa: Suné Luus (Captain), Chloe Tryon (vice-captain), Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez, Matabata Klass, Laura Wolvaardt

Date: 31st March, 6:30 AM IST

Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch